Gov. Huntsman brings along check for miners monument in Huntington

Huntington Mayor Hilary Gordon accepts a check and a letter from Jon Huntsman Jr. on behalf of his father, Jon Huntsman Sr.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. was in Castle Valley to sign bills into law this week and along with this duty he also remembered the miners from Crandall Canyon. Gov. Huntsman gave Huntington Mayor Hilary Gordon a check and a letter from his father, Jon Huntsman Sr. The letter said,

"My heart has been literally broken since the Crandall Canyon mine disaster-and our family has thought so many times about the nine lost miners and their sweet families. These are such tragic events that have no reason whatsoever for occurring. I work closely with many cancer patients through the Huntsman Cancer Institute and every day see many people suffering needlessly because of a tragic event that happened in their life through no fault of their own. Such was the case with our beloved miners.

"It is a great honor to send you a check for $100,000 to help build a lasting memorial in the names of these nine stalwart men who valiantly gave their lives. It is a privilege for our family to participate in such a worthwhile and meaningful cause.

"Our oldest son, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has commented repeatedly on the affection he feels toward the people in your area, and particularly the families affected by this tragedy. I know you have sensed in him his heartfelt sympathy and great sense of loss. Please express to each family member the great love of the Huntsman family toward them. I look forward to hopefully being present when this beautiful memorial is dedicated.

"With affection and best wishes always,

Most sincerely,

Jon Huntsman Sr."

Mayor Gordon was pleased to accept this donation and said Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. had also donated $25,000 previously to help the monument move along. The monument will be on Huntington City land near the Huntington Cemetery. Karen Templeton is the artist for the project and is making casts of each of the nine miners likenesses to be placed on the monument. Her work is moving along for this project. The estimated date everyone is looking toward for completion will be the Aug. 6 first anniversary of the mine tragedy.

There is also another monument being planned at the Crandall Canyon mine site. Murray Energy is taking care of the costs for this monument in Huntington Canyon.